Yellowfin season south of Block Island
Yellowfin tuna fishing out of Block Island starts in July on the grounds south of Block. Bluefin show first, and by July the yellowfin take over on the same water.
Local boats call the offshore yellowfin grounds "south of Block." The Gully, Tuna Ridge, Suffolk Wreck and The Dump all sit inside it. The yellowfin tuna guide covers the species itself, so this page stays with the port. July marks when to start looking, not a guarantee of fish.
- Start of season: July
- Grounds: south of Block, 10 to 30 nm offshore
- Also in the area: bluefin, on the same grounds
Where boats run
Boats run 10 to 30 nautical miles south of Block to four named grounds: The Gully, Tuna Ridge, Suffolk Wreck and The Dump. These are the usual grounds south of Block. For the wider regional picture, see the Atlantic Northeast yellowfin guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).
The run is within range of the 19 to 24 ft boats that fish it. Check the official marine forecast before you go. Published coordinates on this page load as waypoints in Breakpoint; chart layers are not for navigation.
| Ground | Run from Block |
|---|---|
| The Gully | 10 to 30 nm |
| Tuna Ridge | 10 to 30 nm |
| Suffolk Wreck | 10 to 30 nm |
| The Dump | 10 to 30 nm |
The Gully
The Gully sits on the same 10 to 30 nm run south of Block. Bluefin are also fished here, covered under methods below.
Tuna Ridge
Tuna Ridge is a south-of-Block ground on the same run.
Suffolk Wreck
Yellowfin have been found feeding with stationary dolphin near the Suffolk Wreck. Stationary, feeding dolphin are a sign to slow down on these grounds.
The Dump
The Dump is a south-of-Block ground on the same run. Bluefin are jigged in the same area.
How yellowfin are fished here
The local method is topwater poppers on spinning gear, often thrown from 19 to 24 ft boats. The main question is where the cast goes.
Popping on spinning gear
Where dolphin hold and feed, that is where the popper goes.
Jigging bluefin on the same grounds
Bluefin are jigged in the same south-of-Block area, so one trip can cover both: yellowfin popped on top, bluefin jigged below. The Dump and the Gully are the named bluefin grounds. The tuna fishing guides cover the wider set of tuna methods.
- Yellowfin: popped on top with spinning gear
- Bluefin: jigged on the same grounds
- Both: same area, same run
Grounds and structure near the island
These are the named grounds and structure around the island itself, separate from the yellowfin grounds south of Block.
| Name | Depth (ft) | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Ledge | 35 | Just off the island’s southwest corner | |
| The Peanut (Southwest Ledge) | |||
| The Drop (Southwest Ledge) | 90 | 41-08-01.8 / 71-39-35.3 | Northeast of the main ledge |
| Southwest Ledge rock pile | 41-07-17.3 / 71-39-53.9 | Black sea bass structure | |
| North Rip / North Reef | |||
| Southeast Light | 30 | Striper and bluefish area | |
| The Pinnacle (Southeast Light) | |||
| Block Island Wind Farm |
Who fishes for yellowfin here
Most of this fishery is owner-operators in 19 to 24 ft boats making the 10 to 30 nm run. The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament is usually in July, and yellowfin is one of its nine species.
- Typical boat: 19 to 24 ft
- Typical run: 10 to 30 nm
- Tournament: usually July, nine species
FAQ
When does yellowfin season start south of Block?
July. Yellowfin are on the south-of-Block grounds from July onward.
How far is the run from Block Island?
10 to 30 nm south, to The Gully, Tuna Ridge, Suffolk Wreck and The Dump.
What boat size fishes these grounds?
Boats of 19 to 24 ft, popping topwater poppers on spinning gear. Check the official marine forecast before you go.
Can I fish bluefin and yellowfin on the same grounds?
Yes. Bluefin are jigged in the same area, and yellowfin are popped. Both fall under federal tuna rules, so see the Regulations section above.
When is the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament?
Usually July. Yellowfin is one of the nine tournament species.
